Healthy Summer Week 6
Summer is a time for enjoying the sun (which is unfortunately rare in Ireland at the moment), but it’s also crucial to take extra care of your skin.
This month, our Healthy Summer Campaign focuses on maintaining healthy skin, the benefits of exfoliating, using masks, and recommended products to keep your skin glowing all season long.Starting a skincare routine can be overwhelming with so many products and advice out there. Here are some essential tips to help you get started on the right path to healthy, glowing skin.Knowing your skin type is crucial for choosing the right products and routine:

  • Normal: Balanced, not too oily or dry.
  • Oily: Prone to shine and breakouts.
  • Dry: Feels tight and may have flaky areas.
  • Combination: Oily in some areas (like the T-zone) and dry in others.
  • Sensitive: Prone to redness and irritation.

If you are a beginner, it’s important to keep your routine simple. Focus on the basics and avoid using too many products at once, which can overwhelm your skin. When you get the basics right you can add more products in to get even better results.Don’t forget that skincare isn’t a magic potion! Visible results take time and won’t appear overnight. Moisturising occasionally doesn’t count as a skincare routine, and unfortunately, your dry skin won’t experience long-term benefits without consistent care.

Think about it: If you worked out for just two days, would you lose weight? What if you stuck with it for a month?

 
  • Cleanser: Choose a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping your skin of natural oils.
  • Toner: Helps to balance your skin’s pH and remove any remaining impurities.
  • Moisturiser: Hydrates and protects your skin. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to suit your skin type.
  • Sunscreen: Essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
  • Cleanser: Removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime.
  • Toner: Prepares your skin to absorb subsequent products better.
  • Treatment: Use a serum that is targeted at your specific skin concerns. Serums contain a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to other skincare products. This makes them highly effective in addressing specific skin issues such as wrinkles, dark spots, acne and dehydration.
  • Moisturiser: A night cream can be richer than your daytime moisturizer to help your skin repair overnight.

Once you get the basics right you can then look at incorporating products like exfoliators, serums, and masks which can help you treat specific skincare issues and elevate your skincare routine.

1. Exfoliating is an essential step in maintaining healthy skin, especially in summer when sweat and sunscreen can clog pores.

  • Removes Dead Skin Cells: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and radiant.
  • Prevents Breakouts: Regular exfoliation helps to prevent breakouts by keeping pores clear.
  • Improves Absorption: By removing the outer layer of dead skin, exfoliating improves the absorption of moisturisers and other skincare products.

How to Exfoliate:

  • Face: Use a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week.
  • Body: Exfoliate your body with a scrub or exfoliating mitt once or twice a week.

2. Face masks can provide an extra boost of hydration and nutrients to your skin. Here are some types of masks to consider:

  • Hydrating Masks: Ideal for dry or sun-exposed skin, these masks replenish moisture.
  • Clay Masks: Great for oily and acne-prone skin, clay masks absorb excess oil and unclog pores.
  • Sheet Masks: Convenient and effective, sheet masks deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients.

Recommended Usage: Use masks 1-2 times a week and after your exfoliator for best results.

Hydration is key to healthy skin. Drink plenty of water and use hydrating products like hyaluronic acid serums and moisturisers.

Always wear sunscreen during the day, even if you’re indoors. UV rays can penetrate windows and cause damage.

Avoid touching your face as it can transfer bacteria and oils, leading to breakouts and irritation.

Be Patient Skincare is not an overnight fix. It can take weeks to see noticeable improvements, so be patient and consistent with your routine.

If you have persistent skin issues or are unsure about what products to use you can contact our highly qualified Beauty Therapists at McGreals SkinClinic for advise HERE